Indianapolis 500: Indy Racing League News and Notes - May 30, 2006

IRL Press Release

Today’s IRL headlines
1. Hornish’s dream realized
2. Hornish breaks $11 million in earnings
3. Of note

1. Hornish’s dream realized: When Sam Hornish Jr. was a boy, he dreamed of winning the Indianapolis 500.

His dream was finally realized May 28, when he claimed the 90th Indianapolis 500, with a thrilling, last-lap pass of rookie Marco Andretti.

“I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet,” Hornish said on May 29, one day after winning the biggest race of his career. “I don’t think it will fully sink in until after I see my face on the Borg-Warner Trophy or get my Baby Borg.”

The 26-year-old native of Defiance, Ohio had claimed two IRL IndyCar® Series championships and a series record 14 wins over the last six seasons, but he had never completed the full 500 miles or finished in the top-10 in six previous Indianapolis 500 starts.

That changed with his domination of the Month of May, where he led virtually every practice day and claimed the WorldPoints Visa Card Pole Award.

Still, a mid-race penalty for a pit-road mistake left Hornish behind and forced him to charge past JPMorgan Chase Rookie of the Year Andretti. As a reward, Hornish claimed $1.74 million of the record $10,518,565 purse. He also received a Digital Rebel XT Camera and an engraved Special Edition Indy 500® Chronograph from TAG Heuer, the official timekeeper and watch of the Indy Racing League

“It’s so much more special than what I thought it was going to be,” Hornish said. “I’ve taken care of (the Indy 500) on my resume. No one will ever ask me the question ‘Are you ever going to win the Indy 500?’ again.”

And with that he also made good on the promise that owner Roger Penske had when he hired Hornish to drive the No. 6 car.

“Everybody on the team told me how exciting the finish was, and that they’d never seen anything like it,” Hornish said. “I guess this was my way of making it up to them for beating them at Texas in ‘02 and winning the championship in the same way. I feel really special about this win. That’s why I came to this team was to win the “500.” That’s why Roger hired me because of what I can do. I’m glad I finally did that for him.”

2. Hornish breaks $11 million in earnings: With his win in the Indianapolis 500, Sam Hornish Jr. became the first IndyCar Series driver to make more than $11 million in career earnings. Hornish has made $11,286,905 since debuting in the IndyCar Series in 2000.

“That’s a pretty special deal to be the first person to get to 10 (million), and then take it to 11(million) is even better,” Hornish said. “Of course we don’t get all that. It would be nice if I did. I think I’d have a lot more fancy jewelry and things like that.”

3. Of note: Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 earned a 5.2 overnight rating and 13 share, the second-highest overnight rating since 2001, according to Nielsen Media Research. The Indy 500 was the highest-rated motorsports event of the weekend. … Dan Wheldon earned the Firestone Performance Award and its $20,000 prize for leading Lap 124 of the Indianapolis 500 and the Marlboro Lap Leader Award and its $50,000 prize. … Tony Kanaan won the K & N Leader at the Half Award and its $10,000 prize for being the highest-placed eligible driver.